German guitarist Casper Brotzmann's music is oppressive, abrasive, loud and stunning. The noise guitarist along with his band, Massaker, have been acclaimed by such modern guitar gurus as Thurston Moore and Page Hamilton (of Helmet). On Home, Brotzmann creates a wild mixture of industrial, rock, and jazz, packaging it all in relentless guitar work. Most of the songs clock in over eight minutes, allowing Brotzmann ample time to meander down any paths he wishes to follow. And while his guitar provides the focal point to his music, the rest of the band and his ominous vocals add an intense atmosphere to the recordings. Though the album can be a bit overwrought and self-indulgent, the time invested in it is well spent.

-Tom Cornell